The devastating flash floods in Mai Mahiu have tragically claimed the lives of 45 individuals in Kamuchiri Village.
The catastrophe unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning when the nearby river Kijabe broke its banks and washed the village.
Bodies trapped in Mai Mahiu
Efforts to recover more bodies are ongoing, with several still trapped in mud, adding to the sombre atmosphere described by Naivasha Member of Parliament Jane Kihara as "sad."
"Trees are down, more bodies are still trapped. It is just a sad moment for us here," Kihara told the media.
The aftermath of the floods saw hundreds of individuals rescued and rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Response teams, including the Kenya Police, County Disaster team, Kenya Red Cross, and community volunteers, are working tirelessly at the scene to aid in the recovery and provide support to affected individuals.
"109 people rescued and rushed to various hospitals within Naivasha. We continue to be actively engaged in search and rescue/retrieval efforts. Additionally, we have set up a tracing desk at Ngeya Girls Secondary School," Red Cross said.
Update: 109 people rescued and rushed to various hospitals within Naivasha.
We continue to be actively engaged in search and rescue/retrieval efforts.
Additionally, we have set up a tracing desk at Ngeya Girls Secondary School. https://t.co/Y7zl6CLT9x pic.twitter.com/frjw8jNHDm— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) April 29, 2024
In addition to the loss of lives and devastation to homes, the flash floods have severely impacted traffic in Mai Mahiu.
Sections of the Mai Mahiu road have been rendered impassable due to debris and overflowing water courses, resulting in heavy traffic congestion.
KeNHA has advised motorists to plan alternative routes and exercise caution while navigating through the affected areas.
Efforts to address the road blockages and mitigate traffic disruptions are underway, with KeNHA deploying teams to clear the affected roads.
However, traffic remains affected in Mai Mahiu centre, further complicating the situation for residents and travellers alike.
Beyond Mai Mahiu
The flood crisis extends beyond Mai Mahiu, with public utilities and infrastructure across the country suffering significant disruptions.
Various key roads have been affected, further highlighting the widespread impact of the ongoing flooding on communities and transportation networks nationwide.
